Jake Swamp and the Pine shines on debut album, ‘Simpson & Banks’
As far as debut albums go, ‘Simpson & Banks’ leaves quite an impression.
Drew Zieff likes to take photographs — and even the mundane things have a sad, fragile beauty worthy to be documented. Simpson & Banks intimates that the worth of life is being ever-present, letting each moment wash over you and soak into your skin. Mastermind behind Jake Swamp and the Pine, Zieff is a craftsman into the human condition. He lays his entire emotional currency on the table, inviting the listener to engage with what it means to really live.
The record, clocking in at 30 minutes, oscillates between yearning for the past (“Empty Stomachs and Bloodshot Eyes”) and feeling stagnant (“Moving Day”). He might not be where he’d thought he’d be by now (“Wrong Train, Right Track”), but he doesn’t allow it to affect the strength of his work. Simpson & Banks is a full-bodied record, dipped in wisdom you can only get from being battered and bruised.
With producer Josh Gold, the 10-song setpiece feels both intimate and expansive. Credit also goes to a host of musicians — Don Mitchell (lead guitar, banjo, lap steel), Corinna Smith (violin), Francis Hickey (bass), Auyon Mukharji (Mandolin), and Jonathan Ulman (drums). All bring an earnest appeal and surround Zieff’s brawny, emotionally-packaged vocals. As far as debut records go, Simpson & Banks is a tasty treat and positions Zieff as one to closely watch. He’s going to do marvelous things.
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